Szewska Street is one of Krakow’s busiest and most vibrant streets, known for its lively atmosphere, countless bars, cosy cafes, and eclectic shops.
Szewska Street is the nightlife hub of the Old Town area. You’ll either love it or hate it. Or, you’ll have five voddies and learn to love it. I did.
It runs through the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, connecting directly to the iconic Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and linking with the lovely Planty Park at its other end.
It’s always busy. Like, ALWAYS – even at 5am. And it’s got more cheap beer bars, secret pubs, craft beer halls, and nightlife spaces than you can shake a can at.
This local’s guide runs through everything you need to know about Szewska Street, from the top places to drink here (which we’d recommend reading since there are some pretty bad spots) to other things you can do on Szewska Street.
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This is just one part of our complete guide to things to do in and around Krakow
What’s in this guide to Szewska Street, Krakow
Where is Szewska Street?
Szewska Street is located in the Old Town district of Krakow, within the historic city center.
It begins at the northwestern side of the Main Market Square and extends northward and westward, intersecting several other key streets, including Karmelicka and Garbarska.
The street is about 300 meters long and is considered one of the most popular pedestrian routes for visitors and locals alike.
As it’s located in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, Szewska Street is surrounded by centuries-old architecture, including colorful tenement buildings and landmarks that date back to the medieval period.
It’s a hub of activity, especially in the evenings when the street comes alive with Krakow’s nightlife scene – it’s one of the party strips of the city.
How to get to Szewska Street?
Despite the fact it’s pedestrianised the whole way along, Szewska Street is incredibly easy to reach. It’s actually one of the main walking paths through the Old Town, with a tram stop smack dab at its western end…
- By tram – Szewska Street is conveniently located near several tram stops. The closest stops are Teatr Bagatela and Plac Inwalidów. Teatr Bagatela is by far the closest. It’s literally at the western end of Szewska – trams 2, 4, 8, and 13 stop there.
- Walking – If you’re already in the Old Town or the Main Market Square, Szewska Street is just a short walk away. From the Main Market Square, head west through archways of the Cloth Hall, the narrow bit, not the long bit, and you’ll see Szewska opening up in the middle. It’s on the side of the square directly opposite St Mary’s Church.
- From Krakow Bus Station – Szewska Street is about a 15-minute walk from Krakow’s main bus station (Dworzec Główny). If you prefer, you can also take a tram from the Krakow Glowny station to Teatr Bagatela – that takes like 5 mins and puts you right on Szewska street.
What is there to see and do on Szewska Street?
Szewska Street is one of the liveliest streets in Krakow, and while it doesn’t boast any major historical landmarks of its own, it’s primarily known for its nightlife, shopping, and dining. Also, you can literally see the Main Square, so history and culture are never too far away from here.
Anyhow, these are what I’d say are the highlights of Szewska Street…
- Nightlife – Szewska Street is Krakow’s party central. It’s especially popular with students and younger crowds, so expect a lively and fun vibe, especially on weekends. Bars like Bania Luka and Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa attract budget-conscious revellers with affordable drinks and energetic atmospheres.
- Shopping – By day, Szewska offers an array of boutique shops, souvenir stores, and a few larger retailers. You’ll find everything from local handicrafts and jewelry to trendy clothing stores and art galleries. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique gift or something special to remember your trip by.
- Dining – There’s no shortage of fantastic eateries on Szewska. You can choose from traditional Polish cuisine, like pierogi and soups, or go international with Italian pizza, burgers, or sushi.
- Proximity to the Main Square – One of the best things about Szewska Street is that it leads directly to the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), which is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Krakow, such as St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and the Town Hall Tower. After exploring Szewska, it’s only a short walk to these historic sites.
Best places to eat on Szewska Street
- Pizzatopia – If you’re in the mood for pizza, Pizzatopia offers a great customizable pizza experience. You can choose your base, sauce, toppings, and cheeses, all baked fresh in their oven. It’s perfect for a quick, casual bite before heading out for a night on the town.
- Pierogarnia Krakowiacy – No visit to Poland is complete without trying pierogi, and Pierogarnia Krakowiacy is one of the best spots on Szewska to sample them. They serve a variety of fillings, from traditional options like mushroom and cabbage to meat or even sweet fillings. It’s touristy yea, but it’s fun, it’s cheap and it’s so central you can hardly miss it.
- Boscaiola – Craving Italian food? Boscaiola is a fantastic option on Szewska Street. Known for its authentic Italian dishes, the restaurant serves up delicious pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizzas. The warm and welcoming interior makes it an excellent spot for a relaxed dinner after a day of exploring Krakow.
Top hotels on Szewska Street
Szewska Street is noisy, especially at night. The lively bars and clubs make it a prime destination for party-goers, so if you’re looking for a quiet place to rest, this may not be the street for you. However, if you enjoy being at the heart of the action, staying on Szewska will put you right in the center of Krakow’s nightlife.
- Old Town Luxury Apartment – Rynek Szewska – If it’s available and you REALLY wanna stay on Szewska, go for this gorgeous pad. It’s located at the quieter end of the road, so doesn’t get so noisy as some spots. Plus, it’s lux, with Netflix on a cinema screen and elegant block flooring throughout.
- Flamingo Premium Hostel – Located right on Szewska Street, Flamingo Premium Hostel is great for budget-conscious travelers who want to be in the heart of Krakow’s nightlife. It’s clean, affordable, and offers dormitory-style accommodations, making it perfect for solo travelers and backpackers.
- Feniks Fragola Apartments – These serviced apartments are located at the quieter end of Szewska Street and offer a more luxurious stay with well-designed interiors and great views of the Old Town. Despite being close to the nightlife, the apartments are well soundproofed, making it a good option for those who want both comfort and convenience.
